§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secre tary of State for Industry what criteria will be applied in deciding whether to allow a rent-free period of up to five years to some occupiers of Government factories in special development areas.
§ Mr. CryerThe new concession will be used flexibly, taking into account, inter alia, any other assistance offered under the Industry Act 1972. The main criterion to be satisfied is the applicant's ability to show the potential to create new em ployment in viable ventures new to those areas. But all aspects of the application, including the difficulties likely to be en countered in establishing a new under taking, will be taken into account in deter mining the appropriate level of rent relief. Firms already in the SDAs and meeting those criteria will be eligible for con sideration.